We had another fantastic day of learning in Target! The kids are beginning to settle into our Target classroom.
Divergent Thinking:
We worked on another transformation, a "Squiggle Story". The kids transformed a squiggly line into something new and then wrote a story about it. The drawings and stores were filled with great details, that's what we call elaboration in Target--adding details to create something new. Check out the excellent work in the 1st Grade Display outside our classroom.
Convergent Thinking:
We used our logical thinking skills and visual-spatial intelligence to solve Tangram Puzzles. Some of the kids were familiar with these puzzles, which involve using 7 shapes to create different pictures. We'll be working on these every few weeks to build these skills.
Collaboration:
We discussed ways we can be helpful members of our Target Group by considering the viewpoint of others. We also talked about our strengths and weaknesses and how we can help each other with them. The kids added these ideas to their "Arrows" which are pointing to the targets on their posters.
Self-Reflection:
We shared our Personality Boxes today. It was such fun to find out more about our new Target friends. The kids did a wonderful job on creating their boxes, choosing great things to share, and talking about their boxes to the group.
We continued our Mindfulness Moments today with a short practice of "Soaking in the Sunshine". The kids are learning to use breathing to calm their bodies and minds. We'll practice a different Mindfulness Moment each week, so the children can learn to use these techniques on their own when they want to relax or become more focused.
Benchmark Assessment:
We took a short pretest on convergent (logical) and algebraic thinking. These are skills we will be working on this year in Target. The assessments will help me to know which areas to focus on, and also how to group the children for small group or partner activities. We'll take a similar assessment at the end of the year to see the growth we've made this year.
*Important Info: Thank you for signing/initialing the blue Target assignment sheet each week. That helps us work together to support the children's learning. Also, thank you for sending in Target supplies!
HW: Bring your favorite book.
Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger
Divergent Thinking:
We worked on another transformation, a "Squiggle Story". The kids transformed a squiggly line into something new and then wrote a story about it. The drawings and stores were filled with great details, that's what we call elaboration in Target--adding details to create something new. Check out the excellent work in the 1st Grade Display outside our classroom.
Convergent Thinking:
We used our logical thinking skills and visual-spatial intelligence to solve Tangram Puzzles. Some of the kids were familiar with these puzzles, which involve using 7 shapes to create different pictures. We'll be working on these every few weeks to build these skills.
Collaboration:
We discussed ways we can be helpful members of our Target Group by considering the viewpoint of others. We also talked about our strengths and weaknesses and how we can help each other with them. The kids added these ideas to their "Arrows" which are pointing to the targets on their posters.
Self-Reflection:
We shared our Personality Boxes today. It was such fun to find out more about our new Target friends. The kids did a wonderful job on creating their boxes, choosing great things to share, and talking about their boxes to the group.
We continued our Mindfulness Moments today with a short practice of "Soaking in the Sunshine". The kids are learning to use breathing to calm their bodies and minds. We'll practice a different Mindfulness Moment each week, so the children can learn to use these techniques on their own when they want to relax or become more focused.
Benchmark Assessment:
We took a short pretest on convergent (logical) and algebraic thinking. These are skills we will be working on this year in Target. The assessments will help me to know which areas to focus on, and also how to group the children for small group or partner activities. We'll take a similar assessment at the end of the year to see the growth we've made this year.
*Important Info: Thank you for signing/initialing the blue Target assignment sheet each week. That helps us work together to support the children's learning. Also, thank you for sending in Target supplies!
HW: Bring your favorite book.
Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger